1997 Toyota Tercel
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 13 |
| 1988 | 8 |
| 1989 | 22 |
| 1990 | 19 |
| 1991 | 17 |
| 1992 | 24 |
| 1993 | 43 |
| 1994 | 40 |
| 1995 | 51 |
| 1996 | 40 |
| 1997 | 20 |
| 1998 | 3 |
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 20 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 20 total reports mention: air bags.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS PASSING THROUGH AND BOTH VEHICLE COLLIDED.UPON IMPACT AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030801
INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT FAILED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY IN AN IMPACT OF A POLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970102
3 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
2 of 20 total reports mention: seat belts.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT FAILED TO OPERATE CORRECTLY IN AN IMPACT OF A POLE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970102
2 of 20 total reports mention: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLES AREN'T WORKING PROPERLY. SOMETIMES WHEN YOU THINK YOU'RE BUCKLED IN THE SEAT BELT WILL RELEASE ALL OF A SUDDEN.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190127
BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS STOPPED WORKING ABOUT THE SAME TIME. I WOULD BUCKLE MYSELF UP AND MY PASSENGER WOULD THE SEAT BUCKLE POP'S RIGHT OUT OF THE ANCHOR. I AM BREAKING THE LAW EVERY TIME I GET IN MY CAR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170615
1 of 20 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
ALL WINDOWS VEHICLE GET FOGGY ALL THE TIME FOR NO REASON AT ALL. TS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030103
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Campaign 08E050000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Toyota Tercel — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 08E050000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 Toyota Tercel reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Toyota Tercel?
The most-reported component is air bags:frontal, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota Tercel have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.